Daily Reflections, Saturday, February 9, 2008

Today's Scripture: Daniel 6

That may seem like a strange question, but if you take the Bible seriously, then it’s a question you should be asking.

The truth is—every believer who lives out his faith according to the Scriptures will experience some sort of persecution, hardship, suffering, or loss. It was Jesus Himself who said, "If any man will be my disciple, he must take up his cross, deny himself, and follow me." Take up the cross? Deny self? Follow? These are words that are foreign to the American Christian’s vocabulary. In Timothy, we read "All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

We prepare ourselves for the Lion’s Den by remembering that this earth is only a temporary home. We don’t live for this life. We don’t treasure material goods. We don’t cling tightly to what is fleeting.

Moreover, we can rest in the knowledge that God will always be with us. The trials we endure work as part of His perfect plan. And our suffering brings glory to the Father.

Are you ready for the Lion’s Den? Daniel was and he faced it with cour age from the Lord. So can you. God’s power and strength can help you endure whatever He has for you to face in this life.

Today's Quote:  The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup of his Lord. —J.C. Ryle